In this article, we will compare and contrast two popular educational institutions, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) and Clark Atlanta University (CAU). We’ll take a look at various factors that contribute to a student’s decision to attend a particular school, including costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus environment, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
NCAT Overview
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) is a public, historically black university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. Established in 1891, NCAT has a rich history and is known for its strong emphasis on STEM education and research. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields of study.
NCAT Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at NCAT for in-state students are approximately $6,657 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $19,822 per year. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with an average financial aid award of $7,551 per year.
NCAT Admissions
The admissions process at NCAT is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 58%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.61, and SAT/ACT scores of 1080/20 are typically required for admission. In addition to high school transcripts, applicants must submit a personal essay and letters of recommendation.
NCAT Degrees Offered
NCAT offers a wide variety of degree programs across various fields of study, including engineering, agriculture, business, education, and liberal arts. The university offers over 117 undergraduate programs, 29 master’s programs, and nine doctoral programs.
NCAT Academics
NCAT is particularly well-known for its strong emphasis on STEM education and research. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, which allows for personalized attention and support from faculty members. In addition to its degree programs, NCAT provides numerous research opportunities and internships for students to gain hands-on experience in their fields of study.
NCAT Diversity
The student body at NCAT is predominantly African-American, with 80% of students identifying as black or African-American. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus and has numerous programs, clubs, and organizations dedicated to supporting students from various backgrounds.
NCAT Students
NCAT has a total enrollment of approximately 12,556 students, including 10,341 undergraduate students and 2,215 graduate students. The university has a robust campus life, with over 150 student clubs and organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and professional organizations.
NCAT Campus
The NCAT campus spans over 600 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, laboratories, and recreational facilities. The campus is home to multiple residence halls, dining options, and a diverse range of campus events and activities.
NCAT Alumni
NCAT boasts a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including Ronald McNair, the second African-American astronaut, and Jesse Jackson, civil rights activist and politician. The university’s alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers in various fields, including engineering, education, business, and government.
NCAT Rankings
NCAT is consistently ranked among the top historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked NCAT as the #1 public HBCU and #5 overall among HBCUs.
NCAT Outcomes
The average starting salary of NCAT graduates is $49,500, with 88% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The university has a strong emphasis on career preparation and provides resources and support for students in their job search.
CAU Overview
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a private, historically black university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1988 through the consolidation of Clark College and Atlanta University, CAU has a rich history and a strong focus on liberal arts education. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields of study.
CAU Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at CAU for the 2020-2021 academic year were $22,186. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with an average financial aid award of $10,459 per year.
CAU Admissions
The admissions process at CAU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 52%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.24, and SAT/ACT scores of 950/18 are typically required for admission. In addition to high school transcripts, applicants must submit a personal essay and letters of recommendation.
CAU Degrees Offered
CAU offers a wide variety of degree programs across various fields of study, including arts and sciences, business, education, and social work. The university offers over 38 undergraduate programs, 17 master’s programs, and four doctoral programs.
CAU Academics
CAU is known for its strong focus on liberal arts education, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty members. The university also provides numerous research opportunities and internships for students to gain hands-on experience in their fields of study.
CAU Diversity
The student body at CAU is predominantly African-American, with 93% of students identifying as black or African-American. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus and has numerous programs, clubs, and organizations dedicated to supporting students from various backgrounds.
CAU Students
CAU has a total enrollment of approximately 3,318 students, including 2,982 undergraduate students and 336 graduate students. The university has a vibrant campus life, with over 65 student clubs and organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and professional organizations.
CAU Campus
The CAU campus is located in Atlanta’s vibrant downtown area and features modern facilities, including research centers, laboratories, and recreational facilities. The campus is home to multiple residence halls, dining options, and a wide range of campus events and activities.
CAU Alumni
CAU has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including James Weldon Johnson, civil rights activist and author, and Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning theatre director. The university’s alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers in various fields, including arts, education, business, and government.
CAU Rankings
CAU is consistently ranked among the top historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked CAU as the #10 private HBCU and #20 overall among HBCUs.
CAU Outcomes
The average starting salary of CAU graduates is $39,500, with 72% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The university has a strong emphasis on career preparation and provides resources and support for students in their job search.
NCAT vs CAU Cost Comparison
The cost of attending NCAT and CAU differs significantly, with NCAT being more affordable for in-state students at $6,657 per year compared to CAU’s tuition of $22,186 per year. However, out-of-state students at NCAT can expect to pay around $19,822 per year, which is closer to CAU’s tuition cost. Both universities offer financial aid to eligible students, with NCAT’s average financial aid award being $7,551 per year and CAU’s being $10,459 per year.
NCAT vs CAU Admissions Difficulty
Both NCAT and CAU have moderately competitive admissions processes, with NCAT having an acceptance rate of 58% and CAU having an acceptance rate of 52%. The average high school GPA of admitted students at NCAT is 3.61, while at CAU, it is 3.24. SAT/ACT scores required for admission are slightly higher at NCAT (1080/20) compared to CAU (950/18).
NCAT vs CAU Academic Difficulty
NCAT is known for its strong emphasis on STEM education and research, while CAU focuses more on liberal arts education. Both universities have relatively low student-to-faculty ratios, with NCAT at 18:1 and CAU at 14:1, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty members. Both universities also provide numerous research opportunities and internships for students to gain hands-on experience in their fields of study.
NCAT vs CAU Outcome Comparison
The average starting salary of NCAT graduates is higher at $49,500 compared to $39,500 for CAU graduates. Additionally, 88% of NCAT graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, compared to 72% of CAU graduates. Both universities place a strong emphasis on career preparation and provide resources and support for students in their job search.
